Super-regulator for health

7th November 2007

The government intends to establish a new "super-regulator" to make sure safety and high standards are ensured within the NHS in England.

Known as the Care Quality Commission, it will combine the responsibilities of the Healthcare Commission, the Commission for Social Care Inspection and the Mental Health Act Commission. It will have the power to impose fines on hospitals and order the closure of wards.

Dr Gill Morgan, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said the new system was a "definite move in the right direction".